PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD, and low back disability are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is due to military sexual trauma (MST) incurred in service. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, hypertension, high cholesterol, and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining personnel records and verifying claimed stressors. A VA examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, PTSD, residuals of TBI, and headaches have been granted. The conditions are found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran is now entitled to a full merits review of his claim.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (characterized as major depression), and a disability manifested by insomnia were denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified with generalized anxiety and posttraumatic stress features, is related to his active service. The claim for depressive disorder NOS was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% evaluation.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities from September 1, 2012 to April 29, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and have been confirmed by a VA psychiatrist, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted, as the evidence shows that his current low back disability was incurred in active service. The issue of increased rating for PTSD remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating since January 18, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since February 29, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and service connection was granted with an effective date of October 16, 2014. This decision is based on new evidence from the Salem Vet Center dated October 16, 1986.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder NOS, and personality disorder, was not incurred in or caused by his military service. The Veteran's current left knee disability is also not service-connected.